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Figuring out what type of headache you have is the first step toward understanding, treating and preventing them.

It may start as a dull ache behind your eyes, be a lingering, searing pain across your temples, or come and go in a flash. An estimated 45 million people have headaches on a regular basis. Which type do you have?

Migraine Headaches
A migraine is an intense headache lasting anywhere from 30 minutes to several days that causes throbbing or steady pain either on one or both sides of your head. Nausea, light sensitivity, dizziness or stomach pain frequently accompany migraines.

Migraines often disrupt your daily life. Your doctor can help alleviate symptoms and work on migraine prevention.

Tension Headaches
Tension headaches are the most common type. The pain is moderate to mild, is accompanied by a tight feeling around the head and lacks the additional symptoms commonly seen with migraines.

If you experience tension headaches two or more times a week, talk with your doctor. Lifestyle changes, stress reduction techniques and other treatments may offer some relief.

Sinus Headaches
Pain and pressure around the eyes, forehead and nose, accompanied by a runny nose, may be a sinus headache. This kind of headache is caused by an infection and often responds to antibiotics.

Sinus headaches and migraines share several symptoms. However, treatment with an antibiotic will not impact migraines, and sinus headaches generally don’t cause dizziness or light sensitivity. Your doctor can help diagnose sinus headaches and guide you to a course of treatment as needed.

If headaches interfere with the way you want to live your life, talk with your doctor about prevention and treatment options. If you don’t already have a family physician, you can find a list on our website TodaysGateway.com

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This publication in no way seeks to diagnose or treat illness or to serve as a substitute for professional medical care.